Falcao explains what he needs to stay at Manchester United

Speaking to Futbol Red in his native Colombia, and quoted by Sport Witness, Falcao admitted that he needs ‘continuity’ and playing time before he decides on his next career move.

“When the championship is finished,” the outcast forward said. “I will sit and analyse and decide what is best for me. Obviously, I need a place to have continuity, where I can play.

“I'm completely with the club for the remaining eight games. Anything can happen. Every player needs to play and playing makes you happy.”

Falcao is currently on loan at Old Trafford from Ligue 1 side Monaco, with a right to purchase as part of the loan deal.

However, his dreadful tally of just four goals in 22 games for United has done little to suggest that the Manchester club will take their option to purchase in the summer, and this has thrown his future in doubt.

The Colombian superstar was relegated to the Red Devils’ Under-21 side earlier this month, and it appears as if Louis van Gaal has no intention to utilise the forward.

Yet, the club may exercise the right to buy option in the hope that Falcao has spent this year acclimatising to English football, ready to impress next term.

However, if United take up this option, the move still has to be accepted by Falcao, and his quotes suggest that he may refuse a transfer if the situation concerning his playing time is not improved.

At the age of 29, it would be suspected that he still has a few years of top level football left in his career, and being left on the United bench will do little for his ability and his international career.

If the Red Devils do intend to purchase Falcao outright in the summer, they will have to spend the next few weeks being incredibly careful about how they treat the out-of-form forward, with his desire to stay at Old Trafford very much reliant upon his playing opportunities.

Billy Hawkins

Billy is a freelance writer who contributes to various sites concerning football. Known to possess an obsession with statistics, Eastern European club sides, and Victorian football, he focuses upon the untapped potential of the Football League in the belief it is more enjoyable than the Premier League.